Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Manqoba Mngqithi has revealed a player whose significant contributions to the team warrant his inclusion in the line-up “no matter what”.
Masandawana played their first official match on Sunday under the guidance of a new restructured technical team led by Mngqithi following Rulani Mokwena’s exit.
Sundowns secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Polokwane City FC on Sunday in the MTN8 to seal a semi-final spot, where they will face Stellenbosch FC.
Addressing the media after the PLK City match at the Lucas Moripe Stadium, Mngqithi was asked about Rivaldo Coetzee’s versatility. The latter can play both centre-back and defensive midfield.
Mngqithi recalled that he suggested that Coetzee be used in the midfield during Pitso Mosimane’s tenure. He insisted the 27-year-old utility player isn’t someone who can be overlooked when a team selection is made.
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“If you remember very well, I was the one that advised coach Pitso that we should use him in the midfield,” said Mngqithi. “To me he’s that player that should not be outside the pitch no matter what. He’s got so much that he offers.
“As a centre-back, he’s very good, but obviously, there are games where you might be looking for something different, and he might give you something in the midfield. So, I’m trying my best to make every player at least have two positions so that we don’t have the pressure of moving people around.
“Like against PLK City, Neo [Maema] ended up playing as a full-back, but it’s something we have practised because we want them to know.
“Sometimes, when we want more offensive play, we could have easily [changed], play Mosa [Lebusa] at left-back and bring Grant [Kekana] very early.
“But we still had to chase the game; we still had to get something out of the game. That’s why we used Neo in that space.
“But the truth of the matter is almost every player we have. We’re trying our best to him the second position. Probably, it’s only goalkeepers that are safe.”
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